Thousands of residents of Pibor in South Sudan's Boma State will be relocated from their homes to pave the ways for the drilling of oil, officials said.

The Boma State government claimed that the relocation was in the interest of the residents, noting that the exploration of crude oil could cause environmental problems such as the contamination of drinking water sources.

The state headquarters, the government disclosed, would also be moved to Labarat area, where the residents would be relocated.

“When the oil drilling is effected, people will be moved out of the area," a local official, who preferred anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media, told The EastAfrican on phone.

Basic services

He said the government was already preparing the new site to ensure the basic services such as roads, water, health and schools before the people moved in.